In Islam, there are four sacred months during which Muslims are prohibited from engaging in warfare. These months are Dhu al-Qi’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. This prohibition originates from Allah SWT’s command in the Qur’an and was also practiced by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Let us delve deeper into the historical background, legal basis, and relevance of these months for contemporary Muslims.
Historical Background and Legal Basis
In Surah At-Tawbah, verse 36, Allah SWT says:
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًۭا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌۭ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا۟ فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ وَقَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ كَآفَّةًۭ كَمَا يُقَـٰتِلُونَكُمْ كَآفَّةًۭ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ ٣٦
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months. And fight the polytheists together as they fight together against you. And know that Allah is with those mindful of Him.”
These four months are considered sacred because, during the pre-Islamic period of ignorance (Jahiliyyah), the Arabs revered these months and ceased all forms of warfare to provide safety and tranquility for pilgrims performing the Hajj. When Islam came, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) upheld this tradition as part of Islamic law.
Stories and Wisdom of the Sacred Months
The sacred months in Islam are rich with stories and valuable lessons. Here is a more detailed look at each sacred month, along with the stories and wisdom they contain:
1. Dhu al-Qi’dah
Dhu al-Qi’dah is the eleventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar and the first of the three consecutive sacred months. The name Dhu al-Qi’dah means “the month of rest,” as the Arab tribes would cease warfare to prepare for the Hajj pilgrimage.
This month teaches the importance of taking a break from conflicts and disputes, allowing society to enjoy peace. Dhu al-Qi’dah also emphasizes spiritual and mental preparation for the Hajj pilgrimage, enabling Muslims to maximize the benefits of this sacred journey.
2. Dhu al-Hijjah
Dhu al-Hijjah is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the most honored month in Islam because it includes the Hajj pilgrimage and the festival of Eid al-Adha. The pinnacle of the Hajj is the standing (wukuf) at Arafat on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is a fundamental part of the pilgrimage.
This month teaches the importance of sacrifice and devotion to Allah SWT. The sacrifice of animals during Eid al-Adha symbolizes obedience and sincerity in following Allah’s commands. The Hajj pilgrimage teaches the unity and togetherness of Muslims from around the world. It is a moment to strengthen social bonds and enhance solidarity.
3. Muharram
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the sacred months. One of the significant events in this month is the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Muharram emphasizes the importance of migration or change towards a better and more Islamic life. It is a time for reflection and starting the new year with a strong resolve to enhance faith and deeds. On the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, Muslims commemorate various significant events, including the deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh. This teaches patience, resilience, and the triumph of truth over falsehood.
4. Rajab
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the sacred months. One of the important events in this month is the Isra and Mi’raj, the night journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to the seventh heaven.
The event of Isra and Mi’raj teaches strong faith in miracles and the power of Allah SWT. It is also a crucial moment to improve the quality of prayers (salah), which were directly ordained by Allah SWT to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during this event. As a sacred month, Rajab teaches Muslims to enhance their worship, avoid sinful acts, and increase repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT.
Relevance and Exemplary Conduct for Contemporary Muslims
The application of the prohibition of warfare during the sacred months offers many valuable lessons for contemporary Muslims:
- Peace and Safety: The sacred months teach the importance of periods of peace and safety for society. In modern contexts, this can be translated into the significance of respecting certain times to cease conflicts and provide opportunities for diplomacy and reconciliation.
- Respect for Worship: As seen in Dhu al-Hijjah, the focus on the Hajj pilgrimage teaches the importance of respecting sacred times and places. This is relevant for contemporary Muslims to maintain the sanctity of places of worship and support religious activities peacefully.
- Building Morals and Ethics: The sacred months provide an opportunity for reflection and self-improvement. Muslims are expected to use this time for introspection, improving personal morals and ethics, and enhancing the quality of worship.
The sacred months in Islam are not just prohibitions on warfare but also symbols of peace, respect for worship, and character building. Contemporary Muslims can emulate the wisdom of these sacred months by maintaining peace, respecting sacred times and places, and continuously striving for self-improvement in all aspects of life. Thus, the message of the sacred months remains relevant and can be applied in modern life to create a more peaceful and harmonious world.
